AP Biology Organic Compounds

Organic compounds contain carbon skeletons of varying lengths, while inorganic compounds do not contain any carbon. Isomers have the same formula but different structures (structural, geometric, enantiomers). Key functional groups include amino groups, carboxyl groups, hydroxyl groups, methyl groups, carbonyl groups, and phosphates. Carbohydrates (sugars like mono- and poly-saccharides and starches), lipids (fats), nucleic acids (DNA), and proteins (made from amino acids) are the four major kinds of organic compounds in biology. Carbohydrates are common in cell walls. Lipids form cell membranes, steroids like cholesterol, saturated and unsaturated fats, etc.

Hi,I have not take regular biology but I have taken Chemistry. Will I really struggle in AP Biology if I don't take Biology or is it ok and I can still get an A?

Thanks

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Post by steven schultzon September 12, 2014

Time Marker 17:24 you got some TEXAS CARBON on that Aldehyde.

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Post by Nada Al Bedwawion January 11, 2014

In 34:40, what do you mean by cellulose stimulates mucus secretions from the cells in the intestine?

1 answer

Last reply by: Dr Carleen EatonWed Jan 8, 2014 7:19 PM

Post by Lai Man Inon November 28, 2013

it seems so hard for me as a student who haven't studied chemistry before.. the reason why i need to watch this series is that i have to deal with the topic related to cell biology, and the most important parts for me in university will be the physiology and anatomy. Anyway, it requires me to study the entire biology series ;p just keep hard-working on it and this is the only solution for me =D

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Last reply by: Dr Carleen EatonFri Jan 18, 2013 6:06 PM

Post by Linh Laon January 9, 2013

Dr. Eaton,I have 2 questions. 1. You mentioned that hydrophobic substances will pass through the membrane easier because of the nonpolar central region in the phospolids. Could you explain why polar substances will pass through easier? Is it because it doesn't get dissolved in water?

2. I am a little confused on the terms dehydration and condensation. Glycosidic linkages are formed by the dehydration of 2 hydroxyl groups but you also used the word condensation which means water is being produced. Does it mean that on the reactant side is the dehydration part because it loses water and on the product sides is the condensation because water is being produced?

2 answers

Last reply by: Dr Carleen EatonThu Mar 1, 2012 2:24 PM

Post by JUAN PABLO SALINAS OLVERAon June 23, 2011

Dr. Eaton,

During the carbonyl explanation, the carbonyl carbon has 5 bonds. Just though I would pint it out.

Thanks.

1 answer

Last reply by: Dr Carleen EatonThu Jun 23, 2011 1:10 AM

Post by Jay Patelon June 19, 2011

Dr. Eaton, At 24:00 on the fructose molecule, you circled the carbonyl group as a ketone. I didn't see the hydrogen single bonded to the harbon.

Does the H have to be there for it to be a carbonyl group?

1 answer

Last reply by: Dr Carleen EatonFri Apr 8, 2011 1:27 AM

Post by Billy Jayon April 7, 2011

Hi Dr. Eaton,

Just thought I'd clarify something in the video. At 11:30 - "D" and "L" (both capital letters) are relative configurations used to describe sugars and amino acids. All mammals (humans included) have D-Sugars, and L-aminoacids. This is different though from the typical convention given for a pair of enantiomers. For a pair of enantiomers, one molecule rotates light clockwise ("d" for dextrorotatory) and the other clock-wise ("l" for levorotatory). Both however, are lower-case letters.

Related Articles:

Organic Compounds

Hydrocarbons consist of carbon and hydrogen atoms bonded together and are hydrophobic.

Isomers have the same molecular formulas but differ in their structures. Three types of isomers are structural isomers, geometric isomers and enantiomers.

Groups of atoms that are particularly important in determining a molecules behavior and form are called functional groups.

Carbohydrates are sugars and can be categorized as monosaccharides, disaccharides or polysaccharides. Carbohydrates are a vital source of energy for cells.

Lipids are a diverse group of hydrophobic molecules. Lipids include fats, oils, phospholipids and steroids as well as waxes.

Fats can be divided into the categories saturated and unsaturated are based on the composition of the hydrocarbon portion of the fatty acids. Saturated fats contain only single bonds between the carbon molecules.

Cell membranes are made up of phospholipids. Phospholipids are composed of two fatty acids attached to a glycerol molecule that has phosphate group attached.

Steroids are lipids containing a carbon skeleton of four fused rings. This fused ring structure is called cholesterol and is the building block for other steroids. Many hormones are steroids.

Organic Compounds

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